dude, you should definitely cut back on the soda. I lost a bunch of weight by cutting back to two sodas/coffees a week, eating red meat only once or twice a week, and running 2-3 times a week. I've lost about 15 pounds so far (and actually 30 pounds from my heaviest in life....when I was at Saddleback incidentally.)

One 12 oz. regular soda a day equals a pound of fat after 2-3 weeks. I'm guessing you're having more than one soda a day (every 20 cans equals a pound of fat). Cut out the regular soda, switch to diet, and you'll probably notice a difference in a month. When I was younger I didn't drink soda; went about four years without it and then kicked back into it full tilt. After just one month I put on fifteen pounds - that's when I switched to diet. : )

Kurt-My intern of 3 years is transferring to Biola in August. How far is that from Saddleback? I know he would be interested in finding an internship while there. He's been great in our middle school department and would make a great asset. Anyway, let me know how to get him the application info...-Dusty DeckerBTW- I've lost 30 pounds in the last 3 months doing a program online (Weight Watchers). The switch to diet soda really helped me.